Settling in... and reminders to PRAY !!!

But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.  Acts 12:5 (NLT)

The GOOD news.. the team is coming together and no one is in jail! New friendships are being formed, and old ones renewed.

The BAD news... There were challenges in planning the mission, and most were resolved with lots of prayerful support... That..and a bit of tenacity from our fearless leaders... But in these early days of the mission, a few urgent issues needing prayerful support to make sure we can keep the project on a timeline that will enable completion are:

• THE CONTAINER - Despite all the plans, clearances provided in advance, the container has still not been released as they are insisting on even MORE paperwork. This has resulted in NOT having access to our building materials, tools, food and other supplies desperately needed to keeping on our greatly restricted timeline. Pray for a quick resolution so our time lines slip no further!
• THE BANK - Oddly the bank has been less than supportive with exchanging our money!?! Perhaps they have never met crazy Canadians with dreams of accomplishing projects that would normally take a year. Whatever the reason... their partnership is essential with enabling us to access the currency to purchase local materials and supplies. Pray for a change of attitude and willingness to work together!
• THE WATER SUPPLY - not the greatest of our worries, but due to the challenges above, our water supply didn't make it to camp. Boiling water is an alternative, but is a considerable inconvenience. Pray for the teams health until this is resolved!

A short excerpt from  "Outlive your life" by Max Lucado:

The church still faces her Goliaths. World hunger. Clergy scandal. Stingy Christians. Corrupt officials. Pea-brained and hard hearted dictators. Peter in prison is just the first of a long list of challenges too big for the church.

So our Jerusalem ancestors left us a strategy. When the problem is bigger than we are - we pray! "But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him" (Acts 12:5 NLT).

They didn't picket the prison, petition the government, protest the arrest or prepare for Peter's funeral. They prayed. They prayed as if prayer was their only hope, for indeed it was. They prayed "very earnestly for him." (pg 156-157)

Knowing this, WE WILL have better news and more pictures to post soon! ... just pray :-)

We're Here...Week one begins!

The team of 14 men and 3 (brave) women have arrived safely and problem free! Sorry I forgot to take a picture at the airport, but hopefully they will be able to send a few photos by email and we will using this blog to keep our friends and family updated from the projects start to completion. Beyond the work, we hope there will be a few stories to share along the way... of joys and accomplishments, as well as some of the trials and tirbulations.

On this day of rest, the team had a rare opportunity for a swim within walking distance of our camp 'home'. Of course we know that this opportunity will be one of few the team will see for the next month... so it was appreciated all that more! Surprisingly (?) an ice cream truck also found the team... let's hope they see the potential profit in visiting us regularly :-)

The weather has been varied... so far it looks like there is no snow in the forecast, however they have experienced rain, and with that a bountiful harvest of mosquitos! Let's pray that the rain is cooperative with all the cement work involved with this project.

Tomorrow the work begins! Pray for safety, strength, and patience as we undertake:

• receiving delivery of our container shipped in December and praying that the government may reconsider a surprise tax imposed on its`contents - even after a waiver was received well in advance!
• unpacking and storing the contents of the container
• setting up the kitchen to keep everyone healthy and full of energy
• re-establishing the business contacts set up last fall that we are dependent upon for timely delivery of our materials.
• confirming safe transportation for our daily needs
• finishing clearing of the land and building the footings leading to the laying of the foundation

Finally, thanks to all who support us and our families at home.... you too are remembered daily as equal members of the team.  We know that without your support, this project would not be possible. We hope you follow these updates and share in our accomplishments and challenges.

St.. Vincent Mission - February 2012

This coming February 2012, at the request of the Caribbean Salvation Army Headquarters in Kingston, Jamaica, the St. Vincent government and the Salvation Army in St. Vincent, a group of approximately 40 volunteers from The Salvation Army in Canada will travel there to construct a 2400 square foot home for children in Buccament. A local architect, is preparing the plans for the St. Vincent government approval, and we will be purchasing building materials and food for our team in St. Vincent, renting accommodation and transportation as well as hiring some local construction workers to assist us in the building.

This project is entirely funded by the team members, who pay all expenses of the mission. Needless to say, this is a sacrificial offering, and one that involves a lot of hard work, but brings much satisfaction to know that vulnerable children will be given a good home.

19 Days and Counting

Time is flying by and in 19 days our first group of volunteers will be leaving to literally lay the foundations for our project this year.

Check back here as we will attempt to update the site regularly with updates on the project.